AN INTRODUCTION TO THIS PACK

PURPLE EMPEROR

Butterfly Conservation is the leading charity for butterflies and moths in the UK. Our aim is to encourage interest in butterflies and their conservation. The purpose of this material is to encourage teachers to introduce and develop the theme of butterflies in schools and young peoples groups. By producing a pack such as this, aimed at primary children, we seek to encourage a life long interest in wildlife in general and in particular butterflies.

There are 57 butterfly species in Britain. Eleven are holding their own in terms of numbers and distribution, three species are actually increasing (Wood White, Comma, White Admiral) and the remaining species are in various stages of decline.

The value of our butterflies

Butterflies are an important part of our natural heritage and are popular with everyone because they are beautiful and easy to observe.

Butterflies act as an environmental barometer. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes and the rapid decline of butterflies in an area is a clear sign of habitat deterioration. Butterflies are important because they pollinate flowers that other insects cannot and their caterpillars provide a plentiful food source for birds and other animals.

Six butterfly species have been lost in Britain already and many others are under threat. This is due to habitat loss through intensive farming, the development of land and conifer plantations. Other factors, which have contributed to butterfly decline, are habitat isolation, air pollution, climatic changes and natural disasters. One of the UK's most endangered moths is the Sussex Emerald, which is now confined to shingle habitats on Dungeness. Butterfly Conservation is working hard to ensure its future survival.

"I have always thought that butterflies represent the canaries in the coalmine, giving us early indications of man's impact on the planet. Everyone knows about the decline of the House Sparrow, but British butterflies and other insects are facing an even greater crisis than birds. I am deeply concerned that we must increase our efforts to conserve biodiversity at this critical time."
Sir David Attenborough President

Butterfly Conservation is the UK charity working towards a world where butterflies and moths can thrive for future generations to enjoy. Butterfly Conservation is taking action to save threatened species by:

• Advising landowners on managing habitats for butterflies and moths;
• Acquiring key sites to protect as reserves and demonstrating good management practice;
• Carrying out surveys and monitoring our most threatened species;
• Conducting research to identify practical solutions;
• Training volunteers to enable them to take more effective action;
• Recommending improvements to government on environmental policies;
• Encouraging everyone to cherish butterflies and moths - in their gardens, parks, farms and around industrial sites;
• Providing opportunities to learn about and enjoy butterflies and moths.

Butterfly Conservation has a network of over 30 branches covering the whole of the United Kingdom which organise local conservation activities and events. To learn how to join Butterfly Conservation visit http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/support/join/index.html.

If you have found this CD useful, have any comments or would like to see any changes for future releases then please contact Neil Savage at Cheshire and Peak District Butterfly Conservation.